Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects females and is caused by a missing or partially missing X chromosome. This can result in a variety of physical and developmental differences, including an increased risk of learning difficulties such as dyscalculia.
Research has suggested that girls with Turner syndrome may have difficulty with mathematics-related tasks. Some research tudies have found that children with Turner syndrome tend to have weaker visuospatial abilities, which can make it more challenging to understand spatial relationships and perform mental maths.
Children with Turner syndrome may also experience challenges with working memory, which is an essential cognitive function for performing calculations. Working memory allows us to hold information in our minds temporarily and manipulate it as needed, such as when we need to perform mental arithmetic.
Overall, while Turner syndrome itself may not directly cause dyscalculia, it can increase the risk of developing maths-related learning difficulties. Early diagnosis and appropriate educational support can help children with Turner syndrome overcome these challenges and succeed academically.
Children with Turners Syndrome and dyscalculia can be supported.
No child with dyscalculia should ever go unnoticed!
I am Karima Esmail, and I actively engage in raising awareness of dyscalculia, helping SENCOs and teachers reframe their approach to maths challenges. I have 15 years of experience as a senior lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire. More recently, I undertook research at University College London, which inspired the creation of Puffin Maths for the deaf and hard-of-hearing which now dynamo provides access to the National Curriculum using British Sign Language. Puffin Maths was ‘Highly Commended’ at BETT 2022.
I am the co-author of numerous dyscalculia assessments and interventions:
- Multiple award-winning Dynamo Maths which includes a standardised screener with blended intervention.
- Dynamo Post 16 Number Sense Profiler
- Dyscalculia Self Perception Indicators Questionnaire
- Number Memory ( to be released)
- Cognitive subtests (to be released)